TOPEKA, Kan. – The Washburn Ichabod softball team avoided elimination on Thursday in the MIAA Tournament at the Envista Softball Complex at Lake Shawnee with a 3-1 win over Fort Hays State overcoming multiple rain and lightning delays. Washburn (37-15) will play the loser of the Missouri Southern and Rogers State game at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night.
 
The Ichabods scored in their first at bat taking a 1-0 lead after Marrit Mead reached on a single to start the game and then after stealing second came around to score on a throwing error by the Fort Hays State pitcher.
 
Washburn pushed its lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the third when Ellington Hogle singled to lead off the inning and then with two out Danielle Schlader hit her second home run of the season with a blast to center field clearing the bases.
 
The Tigers (31-24) cut the lead to 3-1 with a home run to start the frame. Jaycee Grinter came in the game in relief before a 42-minute rain/lightning delay. Ginter would go on to pitch the remaining four innings allowing three hits striking out two improving to 24-9.
 
Mead, Hogle, Schlader and Paige Robbins all had hits for the Ichabods.